Sponsor: Kelly Fitzgerald, MD (other)
Phase: 2
Start date: June 10, 2026
Planned enrollment: 20
Zanzalintinib (XL092) is an investigational, orally administered multikinase inhibitor being developed for solid tumors, both alone and with immune-checkpoint inhibitors. The most mature evidence comes from metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC); studies are also evaluating renal cell, head and neck, prostate, liver, and other cancers. (pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov)
Zanzalintinib inhibits receptor tyrosine kinases involved in angiogenesis, tumor growth, metastasis, treatment resistance, and immune suppression—notably VEGFR2, MET, and the TAM-family kinases TYRO3, AXL, and MER. This profile provides the rationale for combining it with PD-1/PD-L1 checkpoint inhibitors. Its reported half-life of approximately 16–22 hours supports once-daily dosing. (cancer.gov)
Metastatic colorectal cancer: In the randomized phase 3 STELLAR-303 trial, 901 previously treated patients with non-MSI-H/non-dMMR mCRC received zanzalintinib plus atezolizumab or regorafenib. Median overall survival was 10.9 versus 9.4 months, respectively (hazard ratio 0.80; 95% CI 0.69–0.93; p=0.0045). Objective response rates were 4% versus 1%, and disease-control rates were 54% versus 41%. In the subgroup without liver metastases, final median survival was 15.9 versus 12.7 months, but the difference was not statistically significant (HR 0.83; p=0.1185). (pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov)
Earlier phase 1 STELLAR-001 results in refractory mCRC found response rates of 7.4% with zanzalintinib–atezolizumab and 1.9% with zanzalintinib alone; median progression-free survival was 4.0 and 3.0 months, respectively. (ascopubs.org)
Renal cell carcinoma: Early, nonrandomized results also suggest activity. Single-agent zanzalintinib produced a 38% response rate and 88% disease-control rate in 32 previously treated patients with clear-cell RCC. In first-line STELLAR-002, zanzalintinib plus nivolumab produced a 63% response rate in 40 patients, whereas the combination with nivolumab and relatlimab produced a 33% response rate in a separate 40-patient cohort. These findings remain preliminary and require confirmation in randomized trials. (ascopubs.org)
In STELLAR-303, grade 3 or worse treatment-related adverse events occurred in 60% of patients receiving zanzalintinib–atezolizumab and 37% receiving regorafenib. The most common severe treatment-related events with the combination were hypertension (15%), proteinuria (6%), fatigue (6%), and diarrhea (6%). Treatment-related deaths occurred in five patients (1%) receiving the combination and one patient receiving regorafenib. (pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov)
Across early studies, frequently reported toxicities included diarrhea, nausea, decreased appetite, fatigue, and hypertension. Dose reductions were common in the renal-cell carcinoma combinations, although treatment discontinuation rates were relatively low in the zanzalintinib–nivolumab cohort. (ascopubs.org)
Last updated: Sep 2026
Goal: To assess the activity and safety of zanzalintinib in previously treated metastatic clear cell renal cell carcinoma with bone metastases. The primary objective is the proportion of patients alive without radiographic or clinical progression 12 months after starting treatment.
Patients: Adults with unresectable advanced or metastatic RCC containing a predominant clear cell component, at least three bone metastases, and ECOG performance status 0–2. Patients must have received 1–3 prior lines of therapy, including a PD-1/CTLA-4 or PD-1/VEGFR-targeted regimen for metastatic disease, or adjuvant pembrolizumab followed by progression within 1 year of its first dose. Adequate organ function, dental clearance for a bone-strengthening agent, available tumor tissue, and at least one bone lesion not planned for radiation are required. Important exclusions include prior zanzalintinib, active or unstable CNS disease, major bleeding or vascular risks, uncontrolled cardiovascular disease, high-risk gastrointestinal disorders, significant nonhealing wounds, and recent systemic therapy, radiation, or major surgery.
Design: Single-institution, open-label, nonrandomized, single-arm phase II study. Treatment continues until RECIST-defined progression, unacceptable toxicity, death, or another protocol-specified reason for discontinuation. Survival follow-up continues for up to 24 months.
Treatments: Zanzalintinib is administered at 100 mg orally once daily in 28-day cycles. It is an investigational multi-targeted tyrosine kinase inhibitor of VEGFR2, MET, and the TAM kinases TYRO3, AXL, and MER, targeting angiogenesis, tumor growth, and immunosuppressive signaling. In an early phase study of 32 heavily pretreated patients with clear cell RCC, zanzalintinib produced a 38% objective response rate, an 88% disease-control rate, and median PFS of 9 months; common toxicities included diarrhea, hypertension, asthenia, reduced appetite, and proteinuria. All patients also receive an investigator-selected bone-strengthening agent at standard dosing, beginning within 30 days of treatment initiation. Palliative radiation for symptomatic metastases is permitted at investigator discretion after at least one zanzalintinib dose, with treatment interruption as needed.
Outcomes: The primary endpoint is 12-month progression-free survival by RECIST v1.1 and clinical assessment. Secondary endpoints include skeletal-related events, defined as pathological fracture, bone surgery or radiation, or spinal cord compression; osteonecrosis of the jaw; treatment-related systemic toxicity by CTCAE v5.0; median PFS; median overall survival; RECIST v1.1 objective response rate in patients with measurable disease; and 24-month PFS. Exploratory assessments include EORTC QLQ-C30 quality of life and characterization of the osseous immune and metabolic microenvironment using approaches such as flow cytometry, RNA sequencing, immunohistochemistry, and spatial genomic or proteomic profiling.
Burden on patient: Estimated burden is moderate. The oral once-daily regimen reduces infusion-center time, but participation at a single institution may require repeated travel for 28-day cycle visits, safety laboratory testing, clinical examinations, CT imaging, and bone scans over as long as 24 months. Patients also require dental assessment and ongoing administration and monitoring of a bone-strengthening agent, including surveillance for osteonecrosis of the jaw. Archival tumor tissue is required; a new biopsy is optional if suitable stored tissue is unavailable, so invasive research procedures are not mandatory for every patient. Radiation may add visits and treatment interruptions when clinically indicated, but is not required by the study.
Last updated: Sep 2026
Inclusion Criteria:
1. Participants must have unresectable advanced or metastatic RCC with a predominant clear cell histologic component .
2. At least three bone metastases are present and detectable on bone scan, and at least one bone metastasis is NOT planned to be treated with radiation therapy.
3. Previously treated with 1-3 prior lines of therapy in at least one of the following settings:
1. Metastatic setting; must have received combination therapy containing either programmed cell death protein 1 (PD-1) inhibitor/cytotoxic T-lymphocyte-associated protein 4 (CTLA-4) inhibitor or PD-1 inhibitor/vascular endothelial growth factor receptor (VEGFR)-targeting tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKI).
2. Adjuvant setting; must have received pembrolizumab and have had documented progression of disease within 1 year of the first dose of pembrolizumab .
4. Age ≥18 years.
5. Has seen a dentist within 90 days prior to enrollment and been cleared to receive bone-strengthening agents.
6. Availability of a representative formalin fixed, paraffin embedded tumor specimen or fresh frozen tissue specimen that enables the definitive diagnosis of RCC, accompanied by an associated pathology report. If stored specimens are not available, an optional biopsy may be performed and specimens can be collected by surgical resection or biopsy of the primary tumor or biopsy or resection of a metastatic lesion.
7. Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group (ECOG) performance status ≤ 2.
8. Demonstrates adequate organ function as defined below within 14 days prior to first study treatment:
1. Absolute neutrophil count (ANC) \>=1,500/ μL (without granulocyte colony stimulating factor support within 2 weeks prior to Cycle 1, Day 1).
2. Platelets ≥100,000/ μL (without transfusion within 2 weeks prior to Cycle 1, Day 1).
3. White Blood Cell count (WBC) counts ≥ 2500/μL.
4. Lymphocyte count ≥ 500/μL.
5. Hemoglobin ≥9.0 g/dL.
Participants may be transfused or receive erythropoietic treatment to meet this criterion:
6. Serum bilirubin ≤ 1.5 x upper limit of normal (ULN). Participants with known Gilbert disease who have serum bilirubin level \<= 3 x ULN may be enrolled.
7. Aspartate aminotransferase (AST)/serum glutamic-oxaloacetic transaminase (SGOT) ≤2.5 X institutional upper limit of normal.
8. Alanine aminotransferase (ALT)/serum glutamic-pyruvic transaminase (SGPT) ≤2.5 X institutional upper limit of normal.
9. Alkaline phosphatase ≤2.5 X institutional upper limit of normal. For participants with documented liver metastases: AST and/or ALT ≤ 5 x ULN. For participants with documented liver or bone metastases: alkaline phosphatase ≤ 5 x ULN.
10. Creatinine ≤ 1.5 x within institutional upper limit of normal OR creatinine clearance ≥ 40 mL/min by institutional standard AND urine protein-creatinine ratio (UPCR) 1mg/mg.
11. International Normalized Ratio (INR) and activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT) ≤ 1.5 x ULN. This applies only to participants who are not receiving therapeutic anticoagulation; participants receiving therapeutic anticoagulation should be on a stable dose.
12. Serum ionized calcium above lower limit of normal and ≤ 1.5 x ULN.
9. If any Grade ≥1 toxicities occurred in relation to prior treatment, patients must have recovered to baseline or ≤ Grade 1 unless adverse events are clinically insignificant or stable on supportive medication if needed.
10. Ability to understand and the willingness to sign a written informed consent document.
11. Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-infected individuals on effective anti-retroviral therapy with undetectable viral load within 6 months are eligible for this trial.
12. For participants with evidence of chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection, the HBV viral load must be undetectable on suppressive therapy, if indicated.
13. Individuals with a history of hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection must have been treated and cured. For individuals with HCV infection who are currently on treatment, they are eligible if they have an undetectable HCV viral load.
14. Sexually active fertile subjects and their partners must agree to use highly effective method of contraception (defined in Appendix 4) during the course of the study and for the following durations after the last dose of treatment (whichever is later). An additional contraceptive method, such as a barrier method (e.g., condom), is required. In addition, men must agree not to donate sperm and women must agree not to donate eggs (ova, oocyte) for the purpose of reproduction during these same periods.
a. Through 186 days after the last dose of zanzalintinib for women of childbearing potential (WOCBP) or through 96 days after the last dose of zanzalintinib for men.
15. Female subjects of childbearing potential must not be pregnant at screening. Female subjects are considered to be of childbearing potential unless one of the following criteria is met: permanent sterilization (hysterectomy, bilateral salpingectomy, or bilateral oophorectomy) or documented postmenopausal status (defined as 12 months of amenorrhea in a woman \> 45 years-of-age in the absence of other biological or physiological causes. In addition, females \< 55 years-of-age must have a serum follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) level \> 40 milli-international units per millilitre (mIU/mL) to confirm menopause). Note: Documentation may include review of medical records, medical examination, or medical history interview by study site staff. Exception: women who are not postmenopausal (12 months of amenorrhea) or surgically sterile (absence of ovaries and/or uterus).
Exclusion Criteria:
1. Prior treatment with zanzalintinib for RCC.
2. Receipt of any small molecule kinase inhibitor (including investigational) or vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF)-targeted therapy within 2 weeks before the first dose of study treatment.
3. Known brain metastases or cranial epidural disease unless adequately treated with radiotherapy and/or surgery (including radiosurgery) and stable for at least 4 weeks before first dose of study treatment. Note: Eligible subjects must be neurologically asymptomatic and without corticosteroid treatment at the time of enrollment. Note: Base of skull lesions without definitive evidence of dural or brain parenchymal involvement are allowed.
4. Participants requiring whole brain radiotherapy (WBRT).
5. Incomplete healing from prior radiotherapy as determined by the treating radiation oncologist or treating investigator.
6. Participation in an experimental drug study within 28 days of study enrollment.
7. History of severe allergic, anaphylactic, or other hypersensitivity reactions to chimeric or humanized antibodies or fusion proteins.
8. Pregnant and lactating women are excluded from this study because zanzalintinib is an investigational product with the potential for teratogenic or abortifacient effects. Because there is an unknown but potential risk for adverse events in nursing infants secondary to treatment of the mother with zanzalintinib, breastfeeding should be discontinued if the mother is treated with zanzalintinib.
9. Significant vascular disease (e.g., aortic aneurysm requiring surgical repair or recent peripheral arterial thrombosis) within 6 months prior to Cycle 1, Day 1.
10. Evidence of bleeding diathesis or significant coagulopathy (in the absence of therapeutic anticoagulation); Clinically significant hematuria, hematemesis, or hemoptysis of \>0.5 tsp (2.5ml) of red blood or other history of significant bleeding within 12 weeks before first dose of study treatment.
11. Clinical signs or symptoms of gastrointestinal obstruction or requirement for routine parenteral hydration, parenteral nutrition, or tube feeding.
12. Evidence of abdominal free air not explained by paracentesis or recent surgical procedure.
13. Concomitant anticoagulation with coumarin agents, direct thrombin inhibitors, factor Xa inhibitor betrixaban, or platelet inhibitors. Other anticoagulants are allowed.
1. Prophylactic use of low-dose aspirin for cardio-protection (per local applicable guidelines) and low-dose low molecular weight heparins (LMWH).
2. Therapeutic doses of LMWH or anticoagulation with direct factor Xa inhibitors rivaroxaban, edoxaban, or apixaban in subjects without known brain metastases who are on a stable dose of the anticoagulant for at least 1 week before first dose of study treatment without clinically significant hemorrhagic complications from the anticoagulation regimen.
i. Participants who have known brain metastases and who require therapeutic doses of LMWH or anticoagulation with direct factor Xa inhibitors rivaroxaban, edoxaban, or apixaban are not eligible for this study.
ii. Participants with known brain metastases and who are taking prophylactic low-dose aspirin for cardioprotection or low-dose (prophylactic-dose) low molecular weight heparin are eligible.
Note: Subjects must have discontinued oral anticoagulants within 3 days or 5 half-lives prior to first dose of study treatment, whichever is longer.
14. Previously identified allergy or hypersensitivity to components of the treatment.
15. Malignancy that requires anti-cancer directed therapy within the last 3 years. Exceptions include those cancers that are considered cured by local therapy (e.g. Basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, ductal carcinoma in situ of breast, bladder, or cervix) or other cancers that have low malignant potential and do not require systemic therapy (e.g. Gleason grade \<6 prostate adenocarcinoma).
16. Receipt of any type of cytotoxic, biologic or other systemic anticancer therapy (including investigational) within 4 weeks before first dose of study treatment.
17. Radiation therapy for bone metastasis within 2 weeks, any other radiation therapy within 4 weeks before first dose of study treatment. Systemic treatment with radionuclides within 6 weeks before first dose of study treatment. Subjects with clinically relevant ongoing complications from prior radiation therapy are not eligible.
18. Known brain metastases or cranial epidural disease unless adequately treated with radiotherapy and/or surgery (including radiosurgery) and stable for at least 4 weeks before first dose of study treatment. Note: Eligible subjects must be neurologically asymptomatic and without corticosteroid treatment at the time of enrollment. Note: Base of skull lesions without definitive evidence of dural or brain parenchymal involvement are allowed.
19. Any complementary medications (e.g., herbal supplements or traditional Chinese medicines) to treat the disease under study within 2 weeks before first dose of study treatment.
20. The subject has uncontrolled, significant intercurrent or recent illness including, but not limited to, the following conditions:
1. Congestive heart failure New York Heart Association Class 3 or 4, class 2 or higher, unstable angina pectoris, new-onset angina, serious cardiac arrhythmias (e.g., ventricular flutter, ventricular fibrillation, Torsades de pointes).
2. Uncontrolled hypertension defined as sustained blood pressure (BP) \> 140 mm Hg systolic or \> 90 mm Hg diastolic despite optimal antihypertensive treatment.
3. Stroke (including transient ischemic attack (TIA)), myocardial infarction, or other clinically significant arterial thrombotic and/or ischemic event within 6 months before first dose of study treatment.
4. Pulmonary embolism (PE) or deep vein thrombosis (DVT) or prior clinically significant venous events within 3 months before first dose of study treatment.
Note: Subjects with a diagnosis of DVT within 6 months are allowed if asymptomatic and stable at screening and are on a stable dose of the anticoagulant for at least 1 week before first dose of study treatment without clinically significant hemorrhagic complications from the anticoagulation regimen.
Note: Subjects who don't require prior anticoagulation therapy may be eligible but must be discussed and approved by the Principal Investigator.
5. Prior history of myocarditis.
6. Gastrointestinal (GI) disorders including those associated with a high risk of perforation or fistula formation:
i. Tumors invading the GI-tract from external viscera. ii. Active peptic ulcer disease, inflammatory bowel disease, diverticulitis, cholecystitis, symptomatic cholangitis or appendicitis, or acute pancreatitis.
iii. Acute obstruction of the bowel, gastric outlet, or pancreatic or biliary duct within 6 months before first dose unless cause of obstruction is definitively managed and subject is asymptomatic.
iv. Abdominal fistula, gastrointestinal perforation, bowel obstruction, or intra-abdominal abscess within 6 months before first dose. Note: Complete healing of an intra-abdominal abscess must be confirmed before first dose of study treatment.
v. Known gastric or esophageal varices. vi. Ascites, pleural effusion, or pericardial fluid requiring drainage in last 4 weeks.
21. Clinically significant hematuria, hematemesis, or hemoptysis of \> 0.5 teaspoon (2.5 mL) of red blood, or other history of significant bleeding (e.g., pulmonary hemorrhage) within 12 weeks before first dose of study treatment.
22. Symptomatic cavitating pulmonary lesion(s) or endobronchial disease (asymptomatic or radiated lesions allowed).
23. Lesions invading major blood vessel including, but not limited to, inferior vena cava, pulmonary artery, or aorta. Note: Subjects with intravascular tumor extension (e.g., tumor thrombus in renal vein or inferior V. cava) may be eligible following Principal Investigator approval.
24. Other clinically significant disorders that would preclude safe study participation.
1. Active infection requiring systemic treatment. Note: Prophylactic antimicrobial treatments (antibiotics, antimycotic, antiviral) are allowed.
2. Known infection with acute or chronic hepatitis B or C, known human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) or acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS)-related illness except for subjects meeting all of the following criteria: (1) on stable anti-retroviral therapy; (2) Cluster of differentiation 4 positive (CD4+) T cell count ≥ 200/µL; and (3) an undetectable viral load. Note: HIV testing will be performed at screening if and as required by local regulation. Note: To be eligible, participants taking Cytochrome P450, family (CYP) inhibitors (e.g., zidovudine, ritonavir, cobicistat, didanosine) or Cytochrome P450, family 3 (CYP3) inducers (efavirenz) must change to a different regimen not including these drugs 7 days prior to initiation of study treatment. Anti-retroviral therapies (ART) must have been received for at least 4 weeks prior to the first dose. Note: CD4+ T cell counts, and viral load are monitored per standard of care by the local health care provider.
3. Serious non-healing wound/ulcer/bone fracture. Note: non-healing wounds or ulcers are permitted if due to tumor-associated skin lesions.
i. Complete healing of intra-abdominal abscess must be confirmed before the first dose of study treatment d. Malabsorption syndrome. e. Pharmacologically uncompensated, symptomatic hypothyroidism. f. Moderate to severe hepatic impairment (Child-Pugh B or C). g. Requirement for hemodialysis or peritoneal dialysis. h. History of solid organ or allogeneic stem cell transplant.
25. Major surgery (as defined in Section 6.6.2.3; e.g., GI surgery, removal or biopsy of brain metastasis) within 8 weeks prior to first dose of study treatment. Prior laparoscopic surgeries (i.e. nephrectomy) within 4 weeks prior to first dose of study treatment. Minor surgery (e.g., simple excision, tooth extraction) within 5 days before first dose of study treatment. Complete wound healing from major or minor surgery must have occurred at least prior to first dose of study treatment.
Note: Fresh tumor biopsies should be performed at least 5 days before the first dose of study treatment. Subjects with clinically relevant ongoing complications from prior surgical procedures, including biopsies, are not eligible.
26. Corrected QT interval calculated by the Fridericia formula (QTcF) \> 480 ms within 14 days per electrocardiogram (ECG) before first dose of study treatment.
Note: Triplicate ECG evaluations will be performed and the average of these 3 consecutive results for QTcF will be used to determine eligibility.
27. History of psychiatric illness likely to interfere with ability to comply with protocol requirements or give informed consent.
28. Patients who are ineligible for CT contrast AND who are unable to undergo MRI for any reason.
29. Inability to swallow tablets or ingest a suspension either orally or by a nasogastric (NG) or gastrostomy (PEG) tube.
30. Other conditions, which in the opinion of the Investigator, would compromise the safety of the participant or the participant's ability to complete the study.
San Francisco, California, 94143, United States
[email protected] / 877-827-3222
Status: Recruiting